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Leafs Sign Prospect James Reimer

by
Staff Writer
/ Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Wednesday that the club has signed goaltender James Reimer of the Red Deer Rebels to a three-year entry level contract.

“James has steadily progressed during his three seasons with the Rebels and has established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the Western Hockey League,” said Maple Leafs General Manager Cliff Fletcher. “We are excited to have him in the organization and we look forward to his continued development beginning next season.”

The 6-3, 208 pound native of Arborg, Manitoba was the Toronto Maple Leafs’ third choice, 99th overall, in the 2006 National Hockey League Entry Draft. Reimer, 20, has been a member of the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League for the past three seasons. Reimer’s save percentage (.916) improved for the third consecutive season despite battling a high ankle sprain in 2007-08 which limited him to only 30 games played.

In 124 career WHL games, Reimer has a record of 41-56-14 with four shutouts and a 2.72 goals against average. He has won the league’s ‘goaltender of the week’ honour twice over his three-year junior career and in a poll conducted by players, coaches and management this season, he was named top goaltender in the WHL.